Natural Cosmetics Update.

A little over a year ago, I shared the start of my journey towards natural beauty products and being more mindful of the substances I'm applying to my body every day. It's taken a year, but my beauty routine is almost entirely natural these days! So I thought it may be worth an update. In an effort to keep things as affordable as possible, I switch out my cosmetics one at a time. I continue to use the old product until I run out - then instead of buying the same thing, I replace the item with a natural alternative.

There are so many brands to choose from and natural beauty products can be extremely hit or miss, so I pore over numerous blogs and reviews before buying anything. There is a ton of information out there that can help you decide on the best products for your preferences.

Here is what I've been using lately..

Skin :

     Liquid : Tinted Moisturizer from 100% Pure
          Fruit pigmented, vegan, chemical free, SPF 15. I had never used a tinted moisturizer before, but now it's one of my favorite products! I put a small amount onto my fingertips and kind of polka-dot it all over my face and neck, then use a blending brush to spread it evenly over my skin. I've heard it's best to wait about 5-10 minutes to let it sink in before continuing with makeup. The coverage lasts all day, though it can tend to leave skin a little oily in warmer settings. Nothing that a little powder can't fix. ;)

     Powder : Satin Matte Foundation from Alima Pure
          This was the first natural beauty product I ever tried and it's a keeper! I use it daily and I'm still only about halfway through my first container of it, a whole year later! A little goes a long way. Plus, you can order samples of the colors beforehand for $1.75, to be sure you accurately match your skin tone before purchasing a full size order.

     Concealer - Un Cover Up from RMS Beauty
          I am still very new to this concealer, so I don't want to say too much about it yet. It was a purchase I really had to convince myself to follow through with because it is pretty expensive for the amount of product that you get, but I love that I recognize every ingredient that goes into making this. The main ingredient is coconut oil, which I put under my eyes every night! It's nice to be able to wear a concealer that moisturizes and refreshes skin while providing coverage.

     Bronzer - by Alima Pure
          Another product I've used since the very beginning and still love deeply. I have a very fair complexion - a small amount of this bronzer adds just the right amount of "healthy glow" that I look for in the mornings. Just like with the Alima Pure foundation, I use the bronzer every day and I just recently bought my second jar, one year later.


Eyes :

     Mascara - Organic Wear from Physician's Formula
          This is one of the trickiest things to switch, I think. Natural mascaras seem to be more on the expensive side with very mixed reviews. I have been using Organic Wear mascara for about a year now, and while it's not 100% natural, I love it because 1) it's easily accessible (Target!), 2) it's inexpensive ($9.00!) and 3) it doesn't irritate my eyes the way other mascaras do. I love how easily it washes off! I realize this is probably not a desirable quality for many people, but I can't stand having to scrub my eyes at the end of the day and stepping out of the shower with black circles under my eyes. I'm a crier (commercials, cute old people, you name it) and this has never come off when I didn't want it to, so for now, I'm stickin' to it.

As for eyeliner, I'm still using the same old liquid stuff I've used for years. It hasn't been one of my priorities to change because I only wear eyeliner on special occasions, but when I find a good alternative, I will update you!

Eyeshadow is also something I never wear, though I have received samples of Alima Pure's Satin Matte  Eyeshadow, which I think would be great for special occasions once I get around to buying some of that. I don't even own eyeshadow at the moment haha I think the last time I did was in High School!



Lips :

     Lip Balm - Burt's Bees
          I am a longtime fan of Burt's Bees. Even before I cared whether or not anything was natural! Although I usually stick to their classic, beeswax lip balm, this summer I am a huge fan of their hydrating balm with coconut and pear! A friend sent me some of it in a cute little care package weeks ago and now I can't get enough of that yummy, tropical smell!

     Lip Tint - Alima Pure
          I've really been wanting a natural, red lipstick to wear for nights out and at only $12, Alima Pure's lip tint was worth a try. I love the color, how it smells of cocoa butter, the ingredients, and the packaging… but especially in summer months, this tint melts very easily. I'm still on the lookout for some brighter reds that won't melt all over the place, but this will do the job in the meantime.


Brushes : 

     EcoTools
           These are newer additions to my makeup collection as well, but I am thrilled with them. I have actually never really owned makeup brushes until now so maybe I am just easily pleased, but the reviews I read about them were all very positive - even from people who know what they're doing, haha. The brushes are made out of bamboo and recycled aluminum and the bristles are cruelty free. They're also very accessible and affordable! I can't wait to buy more of them but I'm making myself wait until next month. It's easy for me to start getting a little obsessive with stuff like this haha, I've gotta set limits! I've also been being very conscious about washing them. I owned two brushes previously - a kabuki and one for bronzer.. and I'm embarrassed to admit that I probably only washed them two or three times a year. :( Ah! Not good. Now, Saturday is my designated brush washing day every week. I use Dr. Bronners soap and warm water to keep them nice and clean.


If you're interested in natural makeup, I hope this was helpful to you!
I ordered the book, No More Dirty Looks, on Amazon a few days ago. Have any of you read it?
I'm sure it will be really interesting - looking forward to it!

If you have any favorite natural products, I would love to hear about them!
Hope you have a great weekend.